INSTANT STYLE.

Who better to make you over than you?

October 22, 2003|by Michelle Crowe.

The world has gone makeover mad, don't you think? The funny thing is we know ourselves better than anyone and we should be the ones to work out our own best looks.

If you aren't sure where to start, sometimes it helps to look to your favorite books and movies for clues. If you look to the runways, you'll see all sorts of references to writers and literary heroines. As many of us are shaped by the books we read, it makes sense that they should influence our ensembles.

Makeup artist and entrepreneur Vincent Longo, in town to work with Sting (who gave a concert in Grant Park recently) and make personal appearances at Barneys New York and Nordstrom, mentioned to me that he has been inspired by the powerful women in Ayn Rand's work.

I'm looking further back to F. Scott Fitzgerald, namely "The Great Gatsby," for an injection of Ivy League fun, like an argyle sweater and a camel coat worthy of a tailgate party.

But vintage looks best mixed with modern. I'll look for a fitted sweater and wear it with tailored pants rather than with a pleated skirt.

To create an individual look, play up things that have meaning for you rather than just copying a costume.